The Defense Forces announced that the Western Command Renaissance Cor units have intensified their actions against what they called “anti-peace forces” operating around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Major Aklilu Wolde Giorgis also said, "The unit will continue to intensify its actions against internal mercenary groups that do not want Ethiopia's progress and prosperity."

A new security crisis has emerged in the Mtekel Zone since May 2025, threatening the relative peace that had prevailed after the conflicts in the Benishangul Gumuz region between 2019 and 2022.

Weeks of violence by mostly unidentified armed men, particularly in the Bulen, Wenebera, Guba, Dibate, Dangur, and Mandurah districts, have resulted in additional civilian deaths, displacement, and property destruction.

This statement by the Defense Forces comes as Ethiopia prepares to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Egypt steps up its diplomatic efforts to oppose the project.